Serves 8

Directions

Place the apple slices in a large bowl and toss them with the lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of the sugar. (Apples can be prepared to this point and then refrigerated for several hours.)

Preheat the broiler and place an oven rack 8- to 10-inches from the heat.

Place the butter in a shallow baking dish large enough to hold all of the apple slices in a single layer, and place the dish under the broiler to melt the butter.

Once melted, tilt the pan back and forth to coat the bottom of the dish with the melted butter, and then arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the pan.

Broil the apples until the edges are pale golden and the apples are just tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep checking the apples during cooking and turn the baking dish once or twice so they brown evenly.

Sprinkle the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar over the apples and broil until sugar is melted, about 2 minutes more.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan bring the maple syrup and Calvados (if using) to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Take off the heat and keep warm.

Serve the apples hot with the sauce poured over the top and a scoop of ice cream on the side.